The Moneyball actor bought three pieces from British graffiti artist Bambi: a canvas of Prince William and his wife Duchess Catherine; one of the Queen, and another picture of Amy Winehouse.

Pitt and wife Angelina Jolie currently live in Richmond while Jolie films Maleficent and the artwork is said to be destined for the walls of their south-west London home.

A source told The Sun: "There is a lot of buzz about Bambi at the moment. As Brad's here with the family for up to two years, it makes sense to fill the house with art by British artists.

"He already has a Banksy, which he bought for £1 million at a London auction, but shipped it to LA."

Earlier this week, Brad made a surprise visit to see Mohammed Hussain, a Birmingham-based solicitor who worked in the security team on the actor's 2000 film Snatch, and spent 20 minutes chatting to his pal's staff.

Mohammed said: "He's a lovely guy, one of the most humble men you could meet.

"Brad and Angelina are in the UK for the next 18 months filming back-to-back. He loves Britain and he's been in Harrod's every other day shopping for the kids.

"It was a real surprise - it was out of the blue. The last time I saw him was in Cannes a couple of years ago.

"We don't publicise things like this. It's a friendship thing more than anything."